July 20, 2013

Jerry Jones: This is not an Armageddon year for Jason Garrett

Jason Garrett has been one of the NFL coaches most mentioned as being on the hot seat for 2013. But Jerry Jones said Saturday the perception that Garrett faces a "win-or-else" season is inaccurate.

"It’s a mistake. That’s not right," Jones said during the team's opening training camp press conference. "...Everything I’m thinking about is not only about how to beat the Giants when we open up but also about what our future is in a plus manner or in a positive way with Jason. I look to the future with Jason and not just through his contract that we’re sitting here with right now. I think he’s got a couple of years left on his contract. That’s not a thought. But it is not what is implied when you say, ‘Well, this is an Armageddon year for him.’ It is not that with me."

Garrett is 21-19 as a head coach since taking over from Wade Phillips midway through the 2010 season. The Cowboys have yet to make the playoffs with Garrett as their head coach.

But Jones pointed out Garrett is responsible for the development of quarterback Tony Romo, who became the team's starter midway through the 2006 season. Garrett was hired as offensive coordinator in 2007 and has called the plays since. He will relinquish those duties to offensive coordinator Bill Callahan this season, though Garrett insists he will continue to have a heavy hand in the offense.

"One of the real opportunities we’ve got here, he’s been directly involved in the coaching of Romo for six years," Jones said. "When he got here, Romo had never had the same guy two years in a row. We’ve got to take advantage of that. His safety net presence for what we’re doing, not only as a team, but on offense is a big part of the plan, and it gives us a real advantage. Romo has the kind of skills by everyone that has ever been around him to do what we’re asking him to do. But I don’t mind telling you, it’d be tough to go there if you didn’t have Jason who has been involved and right there as ‘the safety net’ as to how we’re going to not only put the team together but a lot of what we’re doing offensively. Make no mistake about it."